Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
“If he did, he will disregard it as mean-spirited and low, as any respectable person would.”
“He’s only been to visit me once since we’ve been in Oxfordshire.” Anxiety clutched at her heart. “What if he does not truly wish to marry me?”
“Has he given you any sign he does not?”
Elizabeth thought back to their recent courtship. He had been polite and attentive as a suitor and had stayed with them in the country a full week. And before then, when they were in London, he’d taken her on several outings to ride in the park.
“Perhaps he’s only been too busy to make the journey here,” she said, letting go of his hand. “If he did not want to marry me, he would say so, wouldn’t he?”
She hated the weakness in her voice. She disliked being weak and doubtful, particularly when their wedding was so near at hand. Her papa studied her, his gaze pensive.
“Do you feel he is no longer a good candidate for marriage?” he asked. “If he does not pay you enough attention—”
“He is a fitting candidate, isn’t he? Upstanding and all that?”
“Yes, but—”
“I think he’s only busy at his own estate in Hampshire. It’s good to have an industrious, conscientious husband.”
Lord Fortenbury did not make her feel swept away, or full of love and passion as depicted in her friend Rosalind’s romantic-poetry book. But he was a respected gentleman of the ton.
“I only want you to realize,” her papa said, “that there’s no requirement for you to marry someone you don’t care for. There’s no need.”
“You married Mama sight unseen,” she reminded him. “You’d never met her once.”
“Ah, but that was at the request of the king.” He gestured for her to sit, and he took the chair beside her, still studying her with unnerving attention. “I hadn’t much choice in my marriage, Lisbet. But you do.”
“You had no choice, it’s true, but it worked out for you wonderfully. You fell in love once you knew each other better. You’ve had a happy marriage with Mama. I’m sure I’ll find things to admire about Lord Fortenbury as I come to know him.”
“There is no one else you admire more?”
There had been gentlemen, the handsomest ones of the Season, that she might have enjoyed marrying, but it had not worked out that way. She twisted her fingers together, avoiding her father’s scrutiny. “I want a steady husband. I want to have children before…before it grows too late.”
“You’re not an old maid, dearest.”
“I rather am.” Or at least, I will be if this fourth betrothal doesn’t work out. That would be four fiancés down, and would leave her quite unmarriageable. She hated to think of it. “Anyway, I find Lord Fortenbury quite acceptable and…respectful and…” Her voice trailed off. Did Fortenbury love her? She did not even use his Christian name, Gerald, which her papa probably wondered at. She simply didn’t know him that well.
“Perhaps we ought to invite him to visit again,” she said. “I’ve missed him.”
“We can certainly ask him back to Arlington Manor.”
“I mean, we needn’t beg him, if he does not want to come. Well, I shall consider what to do. In the meantime…” She straightened and gazed into her papa’s caring blue eyes. “Can you help me with something?”
“Anything.”
“I wish the Earl of Augustine to come with us to Wales, to attend my wedding, but I’m not sure he’s inclined to make the journey.”
“Ah, dear August. How are your music lessons proceeding with our friend?”
“Very well,” she said, which wasn’t precisely accurate, at least as applied to her playing. “He seems restless in the country, though. I fear he’ll return to London, but I wish he would come to Wales. I think he would enjoy some time at Cairwyn.”
Her father studied her, then nodded. “Of course I can prevail upon him to come. Wales has much to recommend it.”
“Yes! Especially in matters of love. I wish Lord August to find love after all these years, and there are many beautiful women in Wales. Perhaps I’m being hopelessly romantic.”
“Not at all. It’s natural to wish happiness for your friends.”
“Particularly such a kind and patient friend as Lord Augustine.” She fidgeted as she said it, her bottom still sore from August’s spanking, even in her father’s cushioned chair. “Well, I ought to let you get back to work, Papa. I’m sure you’re busy.”
“Indeed, though I’ve been well fortified by biscuits. You may stay if you like.”
She stood and went to the window, looking out at weather that had gone rainy and gray. “Perhaps I’ll read in the library.” She turned back to her papa. “Lord Fortenbury does like to read and study. We have that in common.”
“Indeed.” He paused, spreading his fingers upon the top of his desk. “If you ever wish to speak to me further about your intended, about anything at all, please don’t hesitate. Or you may speak to your mother. We wish you happiness, Elizabeth. It’s our dearest hope.”